Local Agency, Municipal & State Contracts

Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP regularly represents contractors before local, regional, and state agencies in matters pertaining to public contracts, bid protests, regulatory compliance, and construction claims.  The value of the business advice and professional legal counsel we provide is central to the success of those construction clients.  And we are happy to report that most of those clients have been very successful.

Only newcomers to the world of public works construction will be surprised — and almost certainly exasperated — by this increasingly complicated and often politically charged environment.  The vested interests of each jurisdiction and governing agency are exceeded only by the sea of required permits, licenses, regulations, agreements, certifications, and approvals.  Frequently changing laws, bonding requirements and applicable executive orders further compound the situation.  Fortunately, our clients have ample reason to rely on our deep experience and ability to make sense of it all.

PLAYING TO WIN BECAUSE SO MUCH IS AT STAKE.

Contractors who bid on local and state contracts know precisely what is at stake: statutory procurement compliance is required on public works projects and the public entity must follow strict requirements.  Bidding disputes, protests by higher or lower bidders, and improper bid rejections by owners are among the most prevalent issues.  Finch, Thornton & Baird’s vast knowledge of this area of construction law, combined with our ability to devote the appropriate skilled resources on short notice, are essential requirements to do the work right.

OUR SPECIALIZED LEGAL KNOW-HOW MIRRORS THE INDUSTRY’S EVOLUTION.

The legal expertise of the firm’s senior partners has, quite literally, advanced in lockstep with the construction industry’s forward progress since 1987.  We are on the front lines in representing the interests of clients large and small through the unique challenges of hard bid, design-build, lease-leaseback, and construction management contracts, and the negotiations, claims, and dispute resolution arising from those projects.  Is your victory record in public works lagging behind?  Perhaps you could benefit by mirroring the decision of many and turning to the experienced attorneys at Finch, Thornton & Baird.

THE EXPERIENCE TO NAVIGATE CLAIMS REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC AGENCIES.

The contractual requirements for public works contractors are unique indeed.  And when it comes to resolving disputes, timely filing and strict adherence to the precise provisions set forth for public agency contracts in the Public Contract Code and Government Code is imperative.  In the absence of meeting all requirements, even contractors with virtually indisputable claims can suffer from payment delays or claim rejection.  In the worst case, the public agency holds the power to close the proverbial window of opportunity forever — thus rendering full or even partial recovery on the claim impossible.  Given the potential finality of Government Code claims determinations, your attorney should be especially experienced in these matters.